Vovo was our beloved grandfather whose love and
unwavering support was so important in the lives of all of
us grandchildren. He
is missed daily!
Given his enthusiasm for geneology, no Vovo page would be
complete without some. So here's a little history.
Early Life. Carlton Clyde Thornblom was born
in San Saba, Texas in 1918, the third of five sons born to
second— generation
Swedish immigrant
Carl Thornblom and his wife Mary Young.
Vovo and his brothers
and one sister lived through the depression, sometimes working
the cotton fields to make money, and he was the first in
his family to graduate from college (Tarlton).
Carlton
married Mary Spencer in 1939 and they had two children, Marguerite
(Peggy) and Douglas.
Distinguished
Military Career. Carl
became
a career Army officer,
served in World War II, and was assigned all over the world
including Japan and Venezuela. He was awarded the Purple
Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star among many other honors,
before
retiring as a full Colonel.
The Lake House. Teaching themselves construction
and contracting skills, they built their own dreamhouse on
Lake
LBJ which served
as the
family homestead and mecca for his children and grandchildren
for many years.
In 1983 Carl and his second wife, Pat, were
married at the lake house and enjoyed 15 wonderful years
together before Carl passed away in 1998 at the age of 80.
Geneology. Vovo
did extensive research into the Thornblom family tree — throughout
Texas and all the way back to Sweden — and one day I'll get
it all scanned in to preserve
it. Family
was very important to him. If
you're related to us, we would love to hear from you.
Descendants. His legacy includes six grandchildren
— Peggy's children: Dana Campbell, Lara Campbell Sweeney and
Craig Campbell;
Doug's children:
Tina Thornblom Kish, Nichole Thornblom Bronson and Karinne
Thornblom; and great— grandchildren Carlton Campbell
(his namesake),
Justin Campbell, Taylor Gallagher, and Nicholas Kish.
Favorite Vovo Memories
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